Ten Desserts to Make Your Valentine’s Day Special

With just over a week to go until the most romantic day of the year, Valentine’s Day, we’ve put together ten sweet ideas to help you create a dessert to share and enjoy with your special someone. Making a dessert with your own hands and gifting it to the one you love is a small gesture that we’re sure will melt your partner’s heart.

Below you’ll find a varied selection of desserts you can easily prepare by following the tips of our Cesarine. There’s something for every taste: indulgent chocolate-based treats, reimagined classics, eye-catching desserts guaranteed to deliver a “wow” effect, and more traditional sweets that win hearts with their simplicity.

Cold desserts that warm the heart

You’ve reached the end of your romantic dinner and it’s time for dessert. If, even in winter, you prefer to finish your meal with something cold, consider serving a delicious strawberry parfait, where the strawberries’ gentle acidity meets the sweetness of cream. Alternatively, try another semifreddo straight from Sicily: almond parfait, loved for its perfect balance of temperatures and contrasting textures.

If you’d rather stick to a classic, there’s nothing better than a bowl of fresh, homemade vanilla gelato. With our recipe, you won’t miss your favorite ice cream shop (and you won’t even need an ice cream maker)!

Tiramisu, reimagined

Have plans after dinner? The energy boost of a good tiramisu might be just what you need. Tiramisu is probably the most famous Italian dessert worldwide, but for Valentine’s Day you may want something a little different. We suggest two creative twists: Mustard tiramisu, offering a pleasantly spicy and aromatic note, and the “Sinfonia di Sapori” tiramisu, which combines creamy mascarpone with salted chocolate and crunchy toasted almonds for a true harmony of flavors and textures.

A delicate, creamy spoon dessert: Portuguese milk pudding

Likely brought to Italy from Portugal in the 16th century by Tuscan merchants, Portuguese milk pudding, a custard-style dessert, still enchants today with its simple goodness. Its pure white color gives it a natural elegance. Serve it with fresh fruit or a berry coulis for guaranteed success.

Pavlova

If you’re aiming for a real “wow” effect, Pavlova is the way to go. This stunning meringue cake, filled with softly whipped cream and fresh fruit, looks impressive but is actually quite simple to prepare. The contrast between crisp meringue, creamy filling, and slightly tart fruit makes it irresistible.

For chocolate lovers: Tenerina Cake

If your partner adores chocolate, Tenerina Cake is a sure win. Few desserts are as intensely chocolatey, with its rich, buttery center that melts in your mouth. For an extra treat, serve it with a generous spoonful of mascarpone cream: you’ll both be in dessert heaven.

Small pastries, big love

Who says love must be shown through grand gestures? Often, the most meaningful expressions are found in small, heartfelt acts. If you believe this, a tray of bite-sized pastries to enjoy together on the couch could be the perfect idea.

Surprise your partner with a Valentine’s Day classic: Baci di dama (Lady’s Kisses). These hazelnut cookies aren’t the easiest to make, but they’re guaranteed to impress. As an alternative, try a traditional dessert from Verona: Risini, small single-serve tartlets with a crumbly shortcrust shell and a soft rice cream filling. A true delight to share with the one you love.